NZ’s Joint Pain Could Be Eased With Exercise, Diet

NZ’s Joint Pain Problem Could Be Eased With More Exercise and An Improved Diet Advises Care Chemist

With New Zealand Arthritis Annual Appeal week beginning on 21st September, Care Chemist, the country’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, is encouraging New Zealanders to take care of their joints or risk the health consequences.

‘Keeping in good general health is vital,’ says Care Chemist spokesperson, Anthony Yee, ‘Being overweight can put immense pressure on the joints, for example, and can lead to an increased risk of arthritis.

‘As well as maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active also helps lessen pain and increases your range of movement,’ adds Anthony owner of Care Chemist Northcote. ‘Just be sure to include both aerobic exercises such as walking as well as resistance training to strengthen muscles.’

Recent joint health statistics are not encouraging. In 2010, over 530,000 New Zealanders aged fifteen or over are living with at least one type of arthritis, according to Arthritis New Zealand. This equates to 15.2% of the total population aged fifteen or over, or nearly one in six people. The total financial costs of arthritis in New Zealand in 2010 are estimated to be $3.2 billion or 1.7% of GDP.

Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to alleviate joint pain and treat the conditions which cause it.

On top of following a healthy lifestyle, Anthony says that many people have found that taking supplements such as fish oils, glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate may help reduce moderate to severe joint pain.

‘Given recent concerns about people taking too many anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) we recommend that people consult their Care Chemist to see if these supplements may help manage their painful joint conditions,’ adds Anthony.

As well as providing customers with information and advice on joint health, Care Chemist has also produced a Pain Control Wheel. The wheel is a simple tool that helps people understand how to combine ibuprofen and paracetamol based products, safely and effectively, when they require stronger pain relief. The wheel shows when to take the next dose of pain relief regardless of which type of pain medication was taken first.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz

ENDS

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